Western Rams name change heralds new era for 101-year-old footy club

A 101-year-old football club in Melbourne’s northwest has changed its name as it looks to start a new era and be more inclusive in its growing community.

Rockbank is now be known as Western Rams.

It’s a new year and a new area for Western Rams in 2021.

The club formally known as Rockbank has made some big changes since it last took the field in 2019 and hopes the name change helps it better serve a growing community in Melbourne’s northwest.

A strengthened committee will lessen the load on existing members, a growing playing list will hopefully improve on-field performances and the introduction of junior netball will also grow the club.

President Mark Smith said there was a really positive feeling around the club.

“Rockbank is a growing area and we need to embrace the whole area. It’s multicultural and it’s time for change,” he said.

Rockbank will be known as Western Rams in 2021.

“You stand at the ground now and all you can see is houses where we used to look at paddocks.

“There’s a lot of immigrant families in the area, so our biggest thing this year will be trying to get them to play football.

“”We’ve got the biggest committee the club has ever had, which is great, we’ve got a lot of new faces.”

The name change was ratified for the 2020 season, which was ultimately called off.

The cancelled season has given the Rams some much-needed time to set solid foundations after struggling on and off the field in recent years.

“The year off was probably good for us … for the likes of myself, this is my 11th year running and I’ve been at the club for 26 years, it was time we really needed off,” Smith said.

“We had a really tough year in 2019, getting smashed every week, and the 53-year-old president is out there playing twos – it was a hard year.

“I wouldn’t say we’re flying but we’re in a lot better position than we were two years ago.”

The Rams hope to break their losing streak this season, which sits at 18 games, with the last win coming in May, 2018.

Marty Weaver will lead the club in 2021 and Smith is looking forward to him reaping the rewards of his hard work.

“It looks like we should have plenty of players for a change,” Smith said.

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“The club has worked really hard, even though we couldn’t do anything last year.

“There were a lot of Zoom meetings, we kept in touch and kept the ball rolling.

“Marty Weaver our coach – and Nathan Selvidge with netball – have been very good.”

Western Rams will make their first official appearance when they host Melton Centrals on April 17 at Ian Cowie Recreation Reserve.